Credit: The Associated Press

As the NFL playoffs begin, it is important to remember that teams that excelled in the regular season aren’t a cinch to play in the Super Bowl. In fact, in the last 10 years only two teams with the best record have snagged the Lombardi Trophy — the 2002 Buccaneers and the 2003 Patriots.

The article you requested has been archived

All coverage within bostonherald.com from the last 14 days remains free of charge. Articles do not always include original photos, charts or graphics.